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Image: Kwangmoozaa/Getty ImagesNatural oils and sweat build up on jewelry, dulling the appearance of both gemstones and metals. Add to that the damage caused by makeup, perfume, harsh cleaners, and chlorine from swimming pools, and it's no surprise that your jewelry needs a thorough cleaning. The good news is that you can restore its shine with a few simple pantry ingredients to make your own jewelry cleaner.
Recommended Frequency for Making Homemade Jewelry Cleaners
These cleaners are so easy to prepare and use that you should mix a fresh batch every time you clean your jewelry. Simply keep the ingredients ready, along with a few freshly-washed microfiber cloths to buff your jewelry to a final shine.
Things to Keep in Mind Before You Begin
- Although the ingredients in these homemade cleaners are mild enough for use on any hard gemstone or metal, avoid using harsh cleaners like bleach, ammonia, or powdered cleaners on your jewelry.
- Do not use the homemade cleaner for soaking pearls, opals, or other delicate gems.
- Never scrub with a hard brush or sponge, as this could scratch the metal.
If you suspect that the "gems" in costume jewelry are glued on, avoid soaking the piece. Extended exposure to water may weaken the glue. Instead, dip a microfiber cloth into the cleaning solution and gently wipe away the dirt. Follow up by wiping with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue.
How to Create and Apply a Homemade Jewelry Cleaner
What You Will Need
Tools and Equipment
- Small bowl
- Microfiber cloths
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Jeweler's polishing cloth
Ingredients
- Hot water
- Gentle dish soap
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Cleaning Solution
- Pour one cup of hot water into a small bowl.
- Add two to three drops of dish soap.
- If you are cleaning multiple pieces, adjust the solution by doubling or tripling the amount, and pour it into separate small bowls. Be sure to place only one or two pieces in each bowl to avoid scratching.
Soak and Gently Scrub the Jewelry
- Place the jewelry into the solution and let it soak for at least 20 minutes, or until the water cools down.
- Using a soft toothbrush, gently scrub away any dirt or residue. Carefully brush all sides of the jewelry, including the front, back, and edges.
Rinse and Polish to a Brilliant Shine
- Empty the bowl and refill it with cool water to rinse the jewelry. Avoid holding the jewelry under a running faucet to prevent it from slipping down the drain!
- Dry the jewelry with a lint-free microfiber cloth.
- For extra shine, use a jeweler's cloth to eliminate tarnish, polish, and buff the metal components to a gleaming finish.
How to Create and Use a Homemade Jewelry Metal Polish
Although gold and platinum don't tarnish, silver, copper, and brass jewelry can darken due to oxidation or tarnish. You can restore their shine using a homemade metal polish to remove the tarnish.
What You'll Need
Tools and Equipment
- Microfiber or cotton cloth
- Jeweler's polishing cloth
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
Ingredients
- Warm water
- Baking soda
- Distilled white vinegar or lemon juice
- Small glass bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
Create a Polishing Paste
- In a small bowl, combine two tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of distilled white vinegar or lemon juice.
- Wait for the fizzing to stop, then dip a damp cloth into the paste and apply it to the metal. Let it sit on the surface for 30 minutes, or until it dries completely.
Scrub, Rinse, and Shine
- Moisten a soft cloth and gently rub the metal in small circular motions to lift off the tarnish.
- Fill a bowl with water and rinse the polishing paste away.
- Use a soft toothbrush to remove any paste trapped in the jewelry’s crevices, then rinse again.
- Finish by buffing with a dry microfiber or jeweler’s cloth to restore the shine.
Tips for Maintaining Clean Jewelry
- Put on jewelry after applying makeup, lotions, perfumes, or hairspray.
- Remove jewelry before bathing if bath products contain moisturizers that may cling to the surface.
- Avoid wearing jewelry in chlorine-treated hot tubs or swimming pools.
- Wear gloves or remove rings when gardening or cleaning.
- Use a soft cloth or jeweler’s cloth to wipe off smudges and body oils after each wear.
- Store jewelry separately in soft cloth bags to prevent scratches caused by other pieces.
- Keep silver jewelry in anti-tarnish cloths or bags to prevent the surface from darkening due to air exposure.
- Do not store jewelry in a damp bathroom; use chalk or silica bags to absorb moisture and slow tarnish development.
